Important dams in J&K

Important dams in J&K : Recently, the National Register of Large (Specified) Dams listed 15 large dams in Jammu and Kashmir as of September 2023.

• About National Register of Large (Specified) Dams : The register is maintained by the Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

o Dams are classified as "large (specified)" based on criteria such as height (above 15 metres) and storage capacity.

• Dams on Chenab: The Chenab, originating in Himachal Pradesh and flowing into J&K, hosts several key hydropower projects that operate within IWT guidelines.

o According to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), four of J&K’s 15 large dams are on the Chenab: Salal, Baglihar, Dul, and Aalal.

• Baglihar Hydroelectric Project, located in Ramban district, is a run-of-the-river dam with a height of 143 metres. It has a gross storage capacity of 428.28 million cubic metres (MCM) and a live storage of 31.11 MCM. Commissioned in 2009, it has an installed capacity of 450 MW (Stage-I) and is operated by the J&K Power Development Corporation.
• Salal Hydroelectric Project, operated by NHPC Limited, is a concrete dam with a height of 81.38 metres. It offers a gross storage of 284.1 MCM and a live storage capacity of 271.3 MCM. Commissioned in multiple stages between 1987 and 1995, it has a total installed capacity of 690 MW across Stages I and II.
• Importance for J&K:

These dams contribute significantly to the region’s energy security, particularly through hydroelectric projects.

o They help support agricultural activities in water-scarce areas.

o Play a strategic role in disaster management by controlling floodwaters during monsoon seasons.